EnviroTech – Mold Remediation | Pest Control | Indoor Air | Lawn Care | Restoration Contractinghttp://naturallythebest.com
Fri, 24 Jun 2016 14:03:36 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.3House Hunting? Read this First!http://naturallythebest.com/house-hunting-read-this-first/
Wed, 20 May 2015 12:00:14 +0000http://naturallythebest.com/?p=4722Before making an offer on a home, most people hire an inspector to check it out. Some inspectors will perform cursory checks for basic environmental concerns, but most don’t. The smart house hunter will also engage an environmental and pest specialist to perform an additional inspection, looking for some very specific hazards:

PESTS: Most pest inspections focus on wood-destroying insects such as carpenter ants and termites, but rodents can be just as damaging. Rodent waste carries dangerous bacteria and viruses. Common areas of infestation are basements, ceilings and garages.

MOLD: Attics require more than just a glimpse with a flashlight. A good inspector will actually climb in and perform a thorough check. I’ve been in many attics that had no visible evidence of mold from the hatch; only once I got inside did I see the extent of the problem. Basements, too, should be checked throughout for mold or water damage, as they’re the area most likely to experience water infiltration.

RADON: Most inspectors test for radon. If yours tries tells you that you don’t need to because of the location of the property, ignore them. While radon is less likely in some areas, is not specific to any area and can literally be present anywhere. The only way to know for sure is to test.

ASBESTOS: If the house was built prior to 1972, there may be asbestos in the house. It was commonly used in floor tile, ceiling tile, siding, plaster, pipe wrap, duct seam tape, transit piping, and vermiculite. While asbestos is only a issue if the fibers become airborne, having a professional tell you where it is and the condition of the material is crucial to maintaining your family’s safety.

LEAD-BASED PAINT: Lead-based paint may be a problem if the house was built prior to 1978. While it was used everywhere in the house, common areas were on the exterior, windows, and doors. Most people are concerned with exposure to lead in infants—and rightly so. But adults can also experience problems if they inhale dust from lead-based paint. Again, the only way to ensure your family’s health is to get an inspection and know what you’re dealing with.

Some of these hazards for are only visible to the trained eye or to someone who knows where to look. But all of them are capable of causing significant structural damage, expensive repairs, or even health issues if untreated. Finding a professional certified in these areas is always the best bet. After all, you don’t want to end up owning a serious problem along with the house of your dreams. Happy house hunting!

]]>Pest Control For Mice and Ratshttp://naturallythebest.com/pest-control-for-mice-and-rats/
Tue, 11 Nov 2014 13:30:33 +0000http://naturallythebest.com/?p=5124Due to the spread of towns, cities and businesses, the original habitat of common mice has been encroached upon. The intrusion on rolling hills where mice once lived (well, technically they still do, but there are less rolling hills) has created the opportunity for them to find a new home within man-made dwellings.

Some say that mice have now become dependent on humans for their sustenance. Flourishing cities, once established, has cause mice to migrate in droves and become permanently settled. Because of this, mice bring a host of problems for people in their homes and places of business. While in your home, mice and rats can chew on your food, gnaw at electrical wiring and household fixtures while also transferring diseases to humans.

A Little History of Mice, Rats, and The General Population

Both mice and rats have an unpleasant history they were even a well-known culprit of mass death and disease in the Middle Ages. The Black Death of London in 1665 is a calamity that was connected to large populations of mice and rats. Back then, pest control for mice consisted of people physically hunting them down, trapping them and then burning the carcasses. Unfortunately, instead of being able to eradicate the rodents, their population numbers continued to grow along with the human death toll.

The Importance of Pest Control for Mice

Common house mice can produce approximately 50 young each year. Large numbers of mice and the potential growth of their population in your home easily illustrate the importance of pest control for mice. Since mice produce rapidly, their population must be contained quickly, or the situation can become uncontrollable.

]]>Mice, Rats, and Ants! Oh My!http://naturallythebest.com/mice-rats-and-ants-oh-my/
Tue, 04 Nov 2014 14:30:00 +0000http://naturallythebest.com/?p=5112Every homeowner deals with pests in their household at some point. Some are easier to get rid of than others. A few of the more troubling pests include:

Ants

Ants can be a plague in many homes. Whether it is a few ants or a large nest, the problem usually is hard to measure on the surface. Some home remedies such as finding the nest and pouring boiling water onto it may be satisfying, but will only take care of a few thousand, compared to the millions in the nest.

Wasps

Wasp nests can be dealt with easily if they are in the ground. First you find where the wasps are going into the soil. After that point you can solve the problem with a puffer bottle of powder from the hardware store. You then squirt the powder around the nest entrance and the wasps will carry it in.
Some wasp cases can be intensified if the nest is up a tree or under the roof of the house. Do you want to be on a ladder surrounded by thousands of angry wasps? I didn’t think so! Forget it and call in the professionals.

Mice

Mice like to find their way indoors in the fall, when it starts to get cold outside. The first sign of mice is rustling as they scamper to build their nest. If you delay getting help, matters will only become worse! You will find food packets gnawed and small black mouse droppings in your kitchen.

Rats

Rats are common problem in late summer/early fall. In addition to damage your home, they can also carry many deadly diseases. If you see a rat, chances are there are more than you think; they tend to move in groups and reproduce quickly. Call a qualified pest control company to evaluate your problem before it becomes a catastrophe.

Pest control companies need to be considered for the fast and effective results when it comes to getting rid of unwanted pests. They have the expertise and know-how to deal with any nuisance, no matter how big the issue.

Rats have a stigma about them for being one of the deadliest pests and for good reason!

Rats are hosts to bacteria that cause deadly diseases, such as leptospirosis, typhus fever, rat-bite fever, and dozens more. They transmit disease through hair, droppings and urine. If food or water get contaminated, it could result in food poisoning.

Eliminating these pests from your home or business needs to be a main concern. If you own a rental property or a business establishment, the sight of rats will drive potential and existing customers away! Rats are quite destructive in many ways, they not only tunnel through your walls, but their droppings and urine also affect the air quality inside your home.

With all these hazards, it is extremely important to take care of the situation as soon as possible. Call a reputable and experienced pest control company immediately. Through comprehensive pest control treatment, you can eliminate rats from your home before it becomes a bigger issue.

When Is the Best Time to Contact a Pest Control Company?

Immediately. The most common time of the year we tend to see rate problems is in late summer or early autumn, which is the peek breeding season for rats.

Also, if you see rats running around during the day, you probably have a more significant rat problem since rats are typically nocturnal. If you find them running in your home during the day, it indicates a large population is harboring nearby.

]]>Along With Drafts Come Some Furry Friendshttp://naturallythebest.com/along-with-drafts-come-some-furry-friends/
Tue, 21 Oct 2014 14:00:48 +0000http://naturallythebest.com/?p=5089Ever wonder what is lurking in your home? Or what that scratching is in your walls or ceiling? It may be what you least expect.

During colder months, rodents try to find their ways into homes seeking out food and shelter. Rodents, especially mice, can fit through very tiny openings because of their soft cartilages. Once they move in, they have full access to move throughout your home using wall cavities, attics, crawl spaces, etc.

Rodents move in colonies and have the ability to expand quickly. Once they enter a home, they tend to nest in the insulation in your walls, ceilings and attic. It becomes the perfect birthing ground. Often times, their population can get out of control quite quickly.

Here at EnviroTech, we offer the complete solution to keep the little critters out of your home for good. We call it “rodent proofing” and you receive up a one-year guarantee. An inspector thoroughly inspects your foundation, floors, walls, soffits, and roof searching for and sealing off any entry point down to a ¼ of an inch. In extreme cases it may be necessary to sanitize locations of harboring rodents and can be included with the rodent proofing service.

Don’t let your home be over taken by rodents! Let the professionals do it, and remember along with drafts come some furry friends.

]]>Why Do I Sneeze When My Furnace Turns On?http://naturallythebest.com/why-do-i-sneeze-when-my-furnace-turns-on/
Mon, 13 Oct 2014 19:34:25 +0000http://naturallythebest.com/?p=4947It is that wonderful time of year. The leaves are changing color, the temperatures are no longer oppressively hot, (I for one love the cold weather), and pumpkin everything! This is also one of the best seasons for craft beers. However, it is also that time when people turn their furnaces on for the first time in months, and those of us with forced air furnaces know the smell all too well. Dust, dirt, and mold; all the “junk” that has accumulated in your ducts are being shot right out of your vents and directly into the air.

These elements along with other contaminants in your vent system are all potential allergy reactors. If you have tendency to sneeze or you smell a foul odor when you start your furnace, it is a clear cut sign that you are in need of air duct cleaning.

All furnaces have filters on the vents to clean air that moves through the system, yet some of these filters are completely useless. You have probably seen them in the store, and they usually cost around a dollar. Sound familiar? The majority of the debris in your return ducts will blow right through these cut-rate filters and into your supply vents. The more upmarket filters will remove debris, however, these are only effective for the return vents. Any debris that settled in the supply vents is already past the filter at that point.

Also, keep in mind is that if you have a damp basement or a humidifier on your furnace, there is a strong possibility that you may have mold growing on debris in your supply vents. Moisture that works into the vent system provides water needed for mold growth. We find that most people do not know their system is equipped with a humidifier on their furnace or do not know how to operate this unit properly. This is a lose-lose situation.

If you care about your health and the health of your family, you should hire a company that guarantees clean vents and superior air quality. Call us today for a free estimate before you turn that heater on!

]]>Mold: Something to Watch Forhttp://naturallythebest.com/mold-something-to-watch-for/
Sun, 21 Sep 2014 12:00:54 +0000http://naturallythebest.com/?p=4908
These days everyone seem to be paying more attention to their health; so why not take the same care in maintaining a healthy living space?

There are a lot of different health concerns in the home. Some are easy to deal with, others are not. One of the more substantial health hazards in the home is the potential presence of mold.

Mold is a naturally occurring fungus that is usually found lurking in dark, damp environments. Ideal places for mold to grow include attics and basements. Another place that mold can find a foothold is in appliances, such an indoor vented dryers or humidifiers. Mold is also commonly found growing on organic materials, such as wood, which means that there are likely quite a lot of places in your home that mold could be hiding.

The presence of mold can introduce allergy-like symptoms, like itchy eyes, congestion, runny nose and sneezing. People who have existing respiratory conditions will likely to be hyper-sensitive to the growth of mold. It can have a serious effect on those who are allergy-prone or those with a compromised immune system.

If your home is watertight, as it should be, then mold should not be a huge concern. Mold usually indicates that there is a leak or moisture of some kind nearby.
Mold can easily take over a home after a flood. This is why it is critical to ensure that your home is dried quickly and properly if a flood does happen. In cleaning up after a flood, there are some simple things to remember if you want to ensure that mold does not develop.

Home mold presents serious health hazards to you and your family. Fortunately, it is not hard to prevent mold once you know what mold is, how to identify it, and what techniques you can utilize to prevent it.

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows from spores. It is essential for the breakdown of dead plant and animal matter. The spores are usually inactive, but they become active if humidity levels exceed 70% or if temperatures exceed 65 degrees. Mold exists everywhere in the environment and people come in contact with mold every day, whether they know it or not. It is found both indoors and outdoors, often in damp or wet areas, such as basements and bathrooms. Mold is also what causes food to spoil, wood to rot, and paper to smell musty.

How to Identify Mold?

Active mold growth is slimy and is usually green, black, orange or purple.

Inactive mold growth is dry and looks like a powder. It is usually white when dry.

In early phases, molds may look like a web – while when in full bloom it can look like a miniature bush.

Even when molds are unseen, wet spots or dampness can indicate a problem. (or future one)

If you suspect that a spot is moldy, you can perform a simple test to find out if the spot is really mold. Apply a small drop of bleach to the suspected spot. If the stain loses color or disappears, it may be mold!

Another good way to tell if mold is present is odor. Mold usually has a musty smell that can indicate its presence.

If you suspect Mold issues may be lurking in your home, give us a call today for a free inspection.

How does mold enter a home?

Molds usually enter homes when spores float through open doorways, ventilation, windows, or heating and air conditioning systems that have outdoor air intakes. Additionally, mold spores can also attach themselves to humans, animals, shoes, clothing, bags and other objects.

How does mold grow?

When spores reach a place of moisture, especially those places where there is excessive moisture, they will begin to grow. The most common places where molds grow are roofs, pipes, walls and plant pipes.

What are health problems associated with mold?

Mold exposure may cause cold-like symptoms, such as watery eyes, sore throat, wheezing and dizziness. Allergic reactions to mold are very common. It can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, lungs, and even trigger asthma attacks!

Some molds are toxic! Prolonged exposure can be hazardous to humans.

What surfaces can mold grow?

Really, any surface is susceptible to mold growth if moisture is present. Moisture seeping through concrete, wood, plastics and other materials, can cause dampness resulting in molds on walls, floors, carpeting and more. The bathroom is the most susceptible place for mold growth because it is often damp. Soap scum, shower walls, ceramic tile and fiberglass are all common surfaces for mold growth. Basement and laundry rooms are also ideal for mold growth, if not dry.

]]>Honey, I’m Home!http://naturallythebest.com/honey-im-home/
Sun, 14 Sep 2014 12:00:23 +0000http://naturallythebest.com/?p=4873Honeybees have a very strict set of rules when it comes to finding the ideal location for a nest. In fact, they’re more particular than many people I know! They also have a meticulous process for their house-hunting endeavors.

House-Hunting Honeybees
When a swarm of honeybees is ready to relocate, they send out a small number of house hunters to scout new nesting sites. These house-hunting honeybees are very thorough, spending approximately 40 minutes exploring each potential site.

They’ll select their top locations for repeat visits. The queen, too, visits each potential site, and returns several times, at various times of day, to be sure she chooses the best location. Once she’s found a site to her liking, she actually breaks into dance! The more vigorous the dance, the more enthusiastic she is about the spot. Her fellow scouts then come for a final inspection, and once they’ve closed the deal, the swarm moves in to build a new nest.

Home Sweet Home

As you might suspect from this elaborate process, honeybees are very particular about where they rest their wings. The following criteria must be met for them to consider a nest site:

Away from Mom and Dad: The distance from the parental nest must be far enough to avoid competition between the two nests.

Room to grow: Depending on the colony size, honeybees prefer a cavity of 22-40 liters (approximately 5-10 gallons). They look for locations that allow ample space to grow and help them survive the winter season.

Front entrance: Honeybees will typically have one entrance to their hive. (Some larger colonies have been noted to have up to 5, but this is not usually the case.) They need to be able to defend themselves; therefore, one entrance, typically no larger than 10-20 centimeters (approximately 4-8 inches) is ideal.

Sunny skies: Honeybees prefer to have their hive entrance facing the south side of houses. This allows for early morning foraging and helps keep the colony warm in cooler locations.

Shelter from the storm: No one wants to live in a wet or drafty area, including honeybees. Sites that are exposed to wind or rain are not desirable.

Does your home provide an ideal environment for honeybees? If you think a hive may have closed a real-estate deal on your property and moved in, call in an expert and have them evicted!